Oahu, Hawaii. The name conjures images of turquoise water, lush valleys, and that “how is this real life?” sunshine—and yes, seriously good golf. Beyond Waikiki’s beaches and the island’s vibrant culture, Oahu is a golfer’s playground: ocean breezes, palm-lined fairways, dramatic mountain backdrops, and a welcoming spirit that makes even a tough round feel like a win.
Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list resort course, planning a buddies’ trip, or simply hoping to squeeze in a relaxed twilight nine between snorkeling and shave ice, this 2025 Oahu golf guide will help you plan the perfect golf getaway—courses, costs, tips, and a few local-style ideas to make the whole trip feel effortless.
Why golf on Oahu?
Oahu offers a golf experience you can’t quite replicate anywhere else—and not just because the post-round views are unreal.
Spectacular scenery (the “pinch me” factor)
You can tee off with the Pacific on one side, volcanic ridgelines on the other, and lush tropical landscapes everywhere you look. Some courses lean coastal and breezy; others feel like you’re playing through a rainforest valley.
Year-round tee times
Oahu’s golf season is basically… all year. You may get passing showers (classic Hawaii), but they’re often brief. Pack a light rain layer and keep playing.
A course for every vibe (and budget)
Want premium resort conditioning? Championship-level difficulty? A friendly muni close to Waikiki? Oahu has it all—plus resident vs. visitor pricing that can make value hunting really fun if you know where to look.
The Aloha Spirit is real
You’ll feel it in the clubhouse, on the starter tee, and from the ranger who somehow manages pace-of-play with a smile.
Golf + everything else you came for
Golf pairs perfectly with Oahu’s greatest hits: beach time, hikes, local food, and historic sites. It’s easy to build a trip that’s more than “just golf.”
Quick planning tips for an Oahu golf trip (2025 edition)
- Book early in peak travel months (roughly late fall through spring). Prime morning tee times go first.
- Aim for morning rounds if you want calmer wind and cooler temps; trade winds can add spice later in the day.
- Twilight tee times can be a steal—but some courses note there’s no guarantee of finishing 18 depending on daylight and pace. (Several courses spell this out directly in their rate details.) Waikele Country Club
- Expect visitor/resident pricing differences. Some courses require specific Hawaii ID for kamaʻāina rates, and booking windows can differ.
- Factor driving time. Oahu is manageable, but traffic is real—especially around Honolulu during commute windows.
Top golf courses on Oahu in 2025 (with updated green-fee guidance)
Below are standout picks grouped by price and overall experience. Green fees can change with season, demand, and promos—so think of these as helpful “budget ranges” + what to expect, then confirm on the course booking page.
Luxury & bucket-list resort golf (typically $200+)
Turtle Bay Golf (North Shore) — Palmer Course
If you want the full “Hawaii golf postcard” experience, Turtle Bay is the one many visitors dream about: dramatic coastal holes, big resort energy, and a setting that feels like the end of the world (in the best way).
- Why play it: Ocean scenery + resort-level service on Oahu’s iconic North Shore.
- 2025 green-fee ballpark: Visitor rates are commonly listed as starting around $250 for 18 holes (and around $140 for 9 holes). Turtle Bay Resort
- Good to know: Turtle Bay’s Fazio Course has been listed as temporarily closed on at least one booking listing—so plan around the Palmer Course. Golf Hawaii Tee Times
- Best for: Anyone who wants a true “I played golf in Hawaii” signature round.
Ko Olina Golf Club (West Oahu / resort area)
Ko Olina is polished, friendly, and built for vacation golf—with extras that make your round feel like a full experience.
- Why play it: Resort conditioning, great service, and a smooth “vacation-ready” setup.
- 2025 pricing note: Ko Olina uses dynamic pricing (rates update daily based on demand/availability), so you’ll see different prices depending on time and date. Ko Olina Golf Club
- Inclusions (nice touch): Rates are described as including cart, a logo tumbler, and a warm-up basket of range balls (plus tax added). Ko Olina Golf Club
- Best for: Couples, mixed-skill groups, and anyone who loves a premium resort round that’s still enjoyable.
Kapolei Golf Club (West Oahu)
A favorite for players who want a “serious” course feel without losing the vacation fun.
- Why play it: Strong layout, great conditioning, and a satisfying challenge.
- 2025 visitor rates: Listed at $210, with twilight $155 (twilight noted as 1:30pm year-round). Kapolei Golf Club
- Booking window: The course notes reservations can be made 90 days in advance. Kapolei Golf Club
- Best for: Mid-to-low handicaps (and anyone who likes thoughtful design and good pace).
Waialae Country Club (Honolulu / Kahala area) — “Sony Open” host
This is a legendary name: Waialae hosts the Sony Open in Hawaii and is a long-running PGA Tour venue.
- Important reality check: Waialae is a private country club, so typical visitors can’t just book a tee time. Waialae Country Club
- How to play (sometimes): Access is usually through specific events, connections, or limited packages—so treat it as a “maybe” rather than a plan.
Mid-range favorites (often $125–$200, depending on time/season)
Hawaii Prince Golf Club (West Oahu) — 27 holes
If you love variety, Hawaii Prince is a great pick because you can mix and match different nines.
- Why play it: Flexible 27-hole routing for a “two rounds, no repeats” kind of trip.
- 2025 visitor rate example: A listed visitor rate of $175 (with inclusions like cart/range balls noted on the rate listing). Prince Waikiki Hotel
- Best for: Groups and repeat golfers who want variety without constant driving.
Waikele Country Club (Central Oahu / Waipahu area)
Waikele is a popular visitor-friendly course with straightforward access and solid value in its tier.
- 2025 rates: $185 standard rate, with twilight $140 listed (and detailed twilight time windows). Waikele Country Club
- Best for: Travelers who want a reliable “book it and go” round.
Ewa Beach Golf Club (often listed as “360° Ewa Beach Country Club”)
A modern-feeling course that’s frequently mentioned as a fun challenge.
- 2025 rates (example): Visitor rate listed at $195, with a cheaper after 12:30pm rate listed at $145. 360° Ewa Beach CC
- Best for: Mixed groups who want something a bit more “players course” than a resort track, with good afternoon value.
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (Windward side / Kailua area)
This is the lush, dramatic “Jurassic valley” style course—mountains rising around you, tropical greenery everywhere.
- 2025 rates shown: Visitors $180 (Jan–Mar), twilight $125 (from 1:30pm), with notes that policies and availability can change. Royal Hawaiian Golf Club
- Heads up: The course page includes a “soft opening” notice and restrictions (which may not always apply, but it’s a good reminder to confirm current ops). Royal Hawaiian Golf Club
- Best for: The scenic round. Bring your camera—and an extra sleeve of balls.
Mililani Golf Club (Central Oahu)
A strong “local-favorite” style option that’s visitor-accessible and fairly priced for what you get.
- 2025 visitor rates listed: $150 weekday / $160 weekend, with twilight rates listed as well. Mililani Golf
- Best for: Value + variety, especially if you’re playing multiple rounds on the island.
Affordable & beginner-friendly (often under $100)
Ala Wai Golf Course (Waikiki / Honolulu)
If you’re staying in Waikiki and want the easiest golf day imaginable, Ala Wai is the classic answer. It’s convenient, social, and full of local character.
- 2025 non-resident rate listed: $86 for 18 holes (Honolulu municipal rates), with cart fees listed separately. City and County of Honolulu
- Best for: Beginners, casual rounds, and “I want to golf today without making it a whole expedition.”
Other Honolulu municipal courses worth considering
Honolulu also lists similar non-resident pricing for other city courses—great for budget-friendly golf days and lower-pressure rounds. City and County of Honolulu
(If you’re staying outside Waikiki, these can be surprisingly convenient.)
Sample Oahu golf itineraries (easy, fun, realistic)
Long weekend (3 rounds)
- Day 1 (arrival + warm-up): Ala Wai (quick, close, shake off the flight)
- Day 2 (signature round): Ko Olina or Kapolei (premium west-side day)
- Day 3 (big scenery): Turtle Bay (North Shore) + sunset food stop after
One-week “golf + Oahu” trip (5 rounds)
- Round 1: Ala Wai (easy start)
- Round 2: Kapolei
- Round 3: Ko Olina (dynamic pricing—book early for best options) Ko Olina Golf Club
- Round 4: Turtle Bay (bucket-list day) Turtle Bay Resort
- Round 5: Royal Hawaiian (lush valley vibes) Royal Hawaiian Golf Club
Practical tips to make your Oahu golf trip smoother (and more fun)
- Bring sun protection like it’s part of your equipment: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses—Hawaii sun is no joke.
- Hydrate early and often: Start drinking water before the first tee.
- Pack a light rain layer: Passing showers happen, and you’ll usually play right through them.
- Dress code basics: Collared shirts and golf shoes are the safe default. Some courses explicitly ban tank tops and slippers/flip-flops. Kapolei Golf Club
- Consider twilight strategically: It’s cheaper, but plan for the possibility of not finishing 18 (and enjoy it anyway). Waikele Country Club
- Car vs. rideshare: If you’re playing courses outside Honolulu/Waikiki, a rental car makes life easier—especially for early tee times.
Beyond the fairways: easy add-ons to round out your trip
Don’t let your trip become “hotel → golf → dinner → repeat” (unless you want it to). A few Oahu classics pair perfectly with golf days:
- Pearl Harbor for history
- Waikiki Beach for the iconic Hawaii beach day
- Diamond Head for sunrise views
- North Shore for surf-watching and food trucks
- Hanauma Bay for snorkeling (reservations required at times—check ahead)
Conclusion: Oahu + golf = a 2025 trip you’ll talk about forever
Oahu really is a golfer’s paradise: scenic rounds, a mix of resort polish and local charm, and enough course variety to build a trip that fits your budget and skill level. Book your tee times, bring the sunscreen, and leave a little room in the schedule for spontaneous beach time—because on Oahu, the best days often happen between the things you planned.
Disclaimer: Green fees, policies, and course availability can change (sometimes seasonally, sometimes with little notice). Always verify tee times and rates directly with the course before you go. Ko Olina Golf